Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Sunday paid a courtesy call to Japanese Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko as part of his official visit to Japan. Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) and Japanese Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko, Tokyo, Japan, July 1, 2012 – Photo: VGP Deputy Prime Minister Phuc spoke highly of Japan’s ODA for Vietnam as well as the role played by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in coordinating and implementing ODA projects in Vietnam. Regarding the bilateral trade and investment, the Deputy Prime Minister said the area has been developing well over the past time. Last year, the two-way trade turnover amounted to US$21 billion. Japan is the biggest investors in the Southeast Asian country. Deputy Prime Minister Phuc suggested that ministries and businesses of the two sides should beef up cooperation in order to effectively realize agreements reached by the two countries’ high-ranking leaders. Premier Noda affirmed Japan would continue supporting Vietnam through ODA provision and consider transferring technologies in agriculture sector to Vietnam. He also voiced his support for Vietnam’s stance on ensuring peace, stability and maritime freedom and safety in the East Sea; on settling disputes through peaceful measures and on the basis of international law, especially the 1982 United Convention on the Law of the Sea. Chinhphu.vn/ By Ngoc Van